8 answers
5
Questions
Asked
909 views
How can I start learning neuroscience as a high school student?
Hi everyone! I’m a junior interested in neuroscience and want to know if anyone have recommendations on books I could read or courses I could take (low-cost or free preferably) any advice is greatly appreciated!:)
Login to comment
8 answers
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
If you are a student in the Chicago Public Schools, there is a two-week summer course available for those interested in neuroscience. There is scholarship money available you can apply for. I would suggest planning now to do this next summer, if it interests you. Website below.
Good luck to you as you explore this fascinating field which is becoming a much more popular college major.
https://summer.uchicago.edu/courses/career-insight-healthcare-and-biological-sciences/
Good luck to you as you explore this fascinating field which is becoming a much more popular college major.
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Chandler’s Answer
Start your learning journey with free courses on Khan Academy, a trusted platform. While in high school, consider looking for internships at universities like Johns Hopkins. Contact their internship coordinator to find out what free resources they recommend for preparation. To boost your learning, offer free research assistance to your favorite neuroscience professors. Check out published papers from community college professors, as they often lack graduate students to help. This approach not only provides free learning opportunities but also helps you build your network. When meeting new contacts, ask for additional introductions and permission to mention their names. You'll find that many people are eager to help once they see your dedication and reliability.
1) Start on Kahn Academy for free courses
2) Contact a John Hopkins University internship coordinator and ask what free preparation materials they suggest
3) Look for opportunities to do research for published Community College Neuroscience professors
4) Ask each contact you make for an additional contact and the permission to name drop them or be introduced.
Chandler recommends the following next steps:
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1450
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Uyen,
You don't have to wait until college to start learning neuroscience. In fact, high school is a great time to explore it and see which parts of the field interest you most.
I'd start with the basics of biology first. Learn about neurons, how brain cells communicate, the different parts of the nervous system, and how the brain influences things like memory, movement, emotions, and behavior. OpenStax has a free Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience textbook that doesn't assume you already have college-level science knowledge, so it could be a good place to start.
You can also try MIT OpenCourseWare's Introduction to Neuroscience course. It's an undergraduate-level course, so some parts may be challenging, but you don't need to treat it like a college class. Pick the topics that interest you and work through them at your own pace. The course covers neurons, sensory systems, movement, learning, memory, and brain diseases.
For books, I'd look for an introductory neuroscience or behavioral neuroscience textbook rather than jumping straight into advanced research books. You want something that explains the basics clearly before getting into the really technical material.
I'd also keep a small notebook or digital document where you write down questions as you learn. For example, "Why do we dream?" or "How does stress affect the brain?" Then try to find research-based answers. This will help you start thinking like a researcher instead of simply memorizing facts.
Most importantly, don't worry about knowing everything before college. Your goal right now is to explore, build a foundation, and discover what interests you most. If you keep that curiosity going, you'll arrive at college with a much better idea of whether neuroscience is something you want to pursue seriously.
Best wishes!
You don't have to wait until college to start learning neuroscience. In fact, high school is a great time to explore it and see which parts of the field interest you most.
I'd start with the basics of biology first. Learn about neurons, how brain cells communicate, the different parts of the nervous system, and how the brain influences things like memory, movement, emotions, and behavior. OpenStax has a free Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience textbook that doesn't assume you already have college-level science knowledge, so it could be a good place to start.
You can also try MIT OpenCourseWare's Introduction to Neuroscience course. It's an undergraduate-level course, so some parts may be challenging, but you don't need to treat it like a college class. Pick the topics that interest you and work through them at your own pace. The course covers neurons, sensory systems, movement, learning, memory, and brain diseases.
For books, I'd look for an introductory neuroscience or behavioral neuroscience textbook rather than jumping straight into advanced research books. You want something that explains the basics clearly before getting into the really technical material.
I'd also keep a small notebook or digital document where you write down questions as you learn. For example, "Why do we dream?" or "How does stress affect the brain?" Then try to find research-based answers. This will help you start thinking like a researcher instead of simply memorizing facts.
Most importantly, don't worry about knowing everything before college. Your goal right now is to explore, build a foundation, and discover what interests you most. If you keep that curiosity going, you'll arrive at college with a much better idea of whether neuroscience is something you want to pursue seriously.
Best wishes!
Updated
Yisel’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're interested in neuroscience! Yes, there are plenty of free resources to help you explore this fascinating field. Here are some you might like:
1. ENIGMA-U: Perfect for high school or early college students keen on neuroscience.
2. MIT OpenCourseWare – Introduction to Neuroscience: Offers real MIT lectures, notes, and exams for advanced high school or college students.
3. MIT – Basic Neuroscience Tutorial: A simple introduction that requires no prior knowledge.
4. SPICE Neuroscience Curriculum: A two-week program for high school students combining neuroscience and computational thinking.
5. NeuroMed Academy: Interactive lessons for high school students that are beginner-friendly.
6. MIT – Introduction to Psychology: Connects brain science with behavior and cognition, great for beginners.
You can also talk to your teachers about local lectures you might attend through your high school. I hope this helps you on your journey. Keep aiming high!
1. ENIGMA-U: Perfect for high school or early college students keen on neuroscience.
2. MIT OpenCourseWare – Introduction to Neuroscience: Offers real MIT lectures, notes, and exams for advanced high school or college students.
3. MIT – Basic Neuroscience Tutorial: A simple introduction that requires no prior knowledge.
4. SPICE Neuroscience Curriculum: A two-week program for high school students combining neuroscience and computational thinking.
5. NeuroMed Academy: Interactive lessons for high school students that are beginner-friendly.
6. MIT – Introduction to Psychology: Connects brain science with behavior and cognition, great for beginners.
You can also talk to your teachers about local lectures you might attend through your high school. I hope this helps you on your journey. Keep aiming high!
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Uyen! It’s great that you’re interested in neuroscience while you’re still in high school. You definitely don’t need to wait until college to start learning about it.
I’m a psychologist, and one thing I would recommend is starting with the foundations before trying to understand very complex neuroscience topics. Learning some basic psychology, biology, and especially how the brain and nervous system work will make everything you study later much easier to understand.
For free or low-cost learning, you can look for introductory neuroscience, psychology, or biology courses on platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy. You can often access educational material for free even when a paid certificate is available. YouTube lectures from universities can also be very useful, especially when you are first learning topics like neurons, neurotransmitters, brain structures, memory, emotion, and behavior.
I’d also suggest not focusing only on memorizing parts of the brain. Try asking yourself questions like: “How does this affect behavior?” “What happens when this system changes?” or “How could researchers study this?” That connection between the brain and behavior is one of the things that made neuroscience especially interesting to me through psychology.
Since you’re still in high school, you can also explore whether a local university, hospital, science museum, or research center has summer programs, lectures, volunteer opportunities, or programs for high school students. Even if you can’t participate in research yet, learning how research works and talking with people in the field can help you discover which part of neuroscience interests you most.
Most importantly, don’t feel like you need to understand everything immediately. Neuroscience combines several fields, so being confused sometimes is part of learning it. Start with the basics, follow the questions that genuinely interest you, and build from there. You’re already giving yourself a great head start by exploring it now. Good luck!
I’m a psychologist, and one thing I would recommend is starting with the foundations before trying to understand very complex neuroscience topics. Learning some basic psychology, biology, and especially how the brain and nervous system work will make everything you study later much easier to understand.
For free or low-cost learning, you can look for introductory neuroscience, psychology, or biology courses on platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy. You can often access educational material for free even when a paid certificate is available. YouTube lectures from universities can also be very useful, especially when you are first learning topics like neurons, neurotransmitters, brain structures, memory, emotion, and behavior.
I’d also suggest not focusing only on memorizing parts of the brain. Try asking yourself questions like: “How does this affect behavior?” “What happens when this system changes?” or “How could researchers study this?” That connection between the brain and behavior is one of the things that made neuroscience especially interesting to me through psychology.
Since you’re still in high school, you can also explore whether a local university, hospital, science museum, or research center has summer programs, lectures, volunteer opportunities, or programs for high school students. Even if you can’t participate in research yet, learning how research works and talking with people in the field can help you discover which part of neuroscience interests you most.
Most importantly, don’t feel like you need to understand everything immediately. Neuroscience combines several fields, so being confused sometimes is part of learning it. Start with the basics, follow the questions that genuinely interest you, and build from there. You’re already giving yourself a great head start by exploring it now. Good luck!
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Begin exploring the human body and sharpen your observation skills. You can also enjoy reading books on human behavior, world history, and the basics of psychology.
Updated
Lorna’s Answer
Don't be afraid to go to your local library as well if you have a list of books or study guides you want to read/reference. If they don't have something, you can request that they get it. It is a good way to get access to books or reference materials for free.
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Hi Chinyere,
The most exciting discovery in neuroscience may be that our experiences continuously shape our brains. Movement changes the brain. Thoughts change the brain. Relationships change the brain. Learning how those connections work may help us better understand not only disease, but also what allows people to flourish.
Neuroscience is revealing remarkable brain functions- our brain is not static but rather an adaptable network that changes throughout life. The concept of neuroplasticity has transformed how we think about learning, recovery, emotions, and human potential. As a physician, I find it fascinating that, thoughts, sleep, social connection, stress, and even mindset can physically influence neural pathways. The traditional separation between "mind" and "body" is giving way to a deeper understanding that they function as an integrated system. The future of neuroscience is not simply understanding disease; it is understanding how the brain creates resilience, shapes behavior, and influences health across the lifespan.
Three Emerging Areas to Watch
1. Neuroplasticity and Lifelong Learning
Scientists now recognize that the adult brain can reorganize and strengthen neural circuits through learning, practice, rehabilitation, and novel experiences. This has major implications for stroke recovery, cognitive aging, education, and skill acquisition.
2. The Brain-Body Connection
Research increasingly shows that exercise, sleep, breathing, stress, and social relationships directly affect brain function. Physical activity influences cognition, mood, memory, and brain health, illustrating how closely intertwined mental and physical well-being truly are.
3. Consciousness, Attention, and Mental Training
Neuroscientists are exploring how attention, mindfulness, meditation, visualization, and behavior influence neural networks. Understanding how thoughts and experiences shape the brain may help improve mental health, performance, and resilience. Within Blue Shield resources, mindfulness and play are described as neuroscience-based tools that support attention, regulation, resilience, and relationships.
Resources
1. Book: The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge
A classic introduction to neuroplasticity that inspired many students and clinicians.
2. Podcast: Huberman Lab
Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman discusses neuroplasticity, learning, sleep, focus, behavior, and the brain-body connection. The Huberman Lab website contains a large collection of neuroscience content.
Link: Huberman Lab Podcast
3. Website: Huberman Lab Neuroplasticity Collection
A curated collection of articles, videos, and episodes specifically focused on how the brain changes through experience, learning, and recovery.
Link: The Brain and Neuroplasticity
4. Book: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
An outstanding exploration of how sleep influences memory, learning, emotional regulation, and long-term brain health.
https://www.hubermanlab.com/topics/brain-and-neuroplasticity
https://www.hubermanlab.com/podcast
The most exciting discovery in neuroscience may be that our experiences continuously shape our brains. Movement changes the brain. Thoughts change the brain. Relationships change the brain. Learning how those connections work may help us better understand not only disease, but also what allows people to flourish.
Neuroscience is revealing remarkable brain functions- our brain is not static but rather an adaptable network that changes throughout life. The concept of neuroplasticity has transformed how we think about learning, recovery, emotions, and human potential. As a physician, I find it fascinating that, thoughts, sleep, social connection, stress, and even mindset can physically influence neural pathways. The traditional separation between "mind" and "body" is giving way to a deeper understanding that they function as an integrated system. The future of neuroscience is not simply understanding disease; it is understanding how the brain creates resilience, shapes behavior, and influences health across the lifespan.
Three Emerging Areas to Watch
1. Neuroplasticity and Lifelong Learning
Scientists now recognize that the adult brain can reorganize and strengthen neural circuits through learning, practice, rehabilitation, and novel experiences. This has major implications for stroke recovery, cognitive aging, education, and skill acquisition.
2. The Brain-Body Connection
Research increasingly shows that exercise, sleep, breathing, stress, and social relationships directly affect brain function. Physical activity influences cognition, mood, memory, and brain health, illustrating how closely intertwined mental and physical well-being truly are.
3. Consciousness, Attention, and Mental Training
Neuroscientists are exploring how attention, mindfulness, meditation, visualization, and behavior influence neural networks. Understanding how thoughts and experiences shape the brain may help improve mental health, performance, and resilience. Within Blue Shield resources, mindfulness and play are described as neuroscience-based tools that support attention, regulation, resilience, and relationships.
Resources
1. Book: The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge
A classic introduction to neuroplasticity that inspired many students and clinicians.
2. Podcast: Huberman Lab
Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman discusses neuroplasticity, learning, sleep, focus, behavior, and the brain-body connection. The Huberman Lab website contains a large collection of neuroscience content.
Link: Huberman Lab Podcast
3. Website: Huberman Lab Neuroplasticity Collection
A curated collection of articles, videos, and episodes specifically focused on how the brain changes through experience, learning, and recovery.
Link: The Brain and Neuroplasticity
4. Book: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
An outstanding exploration of how sleep influences memory, learning, emotional regulation, and long-term brain health.
Vanessa recommends the following next steps: